Niles North Football Reinstated, Hazing Investigation Finds No Criminal Conduct

SKOKIE, IL — One week after suspending the Niles North High School varsity football program due to a police investigation into reports of possible hazing, practice has resumed and the regular season will continue as scheduled, Niles North and District 219 administrators announced Monday. The football program had been suspended Sept. 25 after an incident of possible hazing was reported following the Vikings' Sept. 22 loss to Glenbrook South. After a "timely and thorough investigation," Skokie police "determined that no criminal conduct took place," according to a statement from the district.

Police said last week investigators would conduct interviews of students and staff over the course of the week to determine what took place. That investigation has concluded.

“We are grateful to the Skokie Police Department for their painstaking efforts to expedite their investigation during this difficult time,” said District 219 Superintendent Steven Isoye. “I want to commend Principal Edwards and his team at Niles North for immediately taking action and for carrying out the investigation so thoroughly and fairly. The message we want everyone to take away from this is to reinforce how critical it is that each member of our school community treats every other with the respect and dignity that we all deserve.”

Even though what took place did not rise to the level of criminal conduct, according to the statement, the district said it will take "appropriate action to address the conduct determined to have taken place." School officials said confidentiality rules and other requirements do not allow any further details about any actions taken as a result of the investigation.

While neither Skokie police or District 219 officials have commented on the specifics of the incident, sources told Patch it involved a orange practice cone and a mock sexual assault. Some students and parents had expressed concern that administrators were overreacting with their unprecedented move to shut down the entire program. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Skokie — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

“This last week has been a difficult one for our school community, but I am proud of the way we have come together,” said Niles North Principal James Edwards. “As soon as our school became aware of the allegations, we were determined to act in the most proactive and thorough manner possible, and we are glad that we are able to reinstate the program today. We are thankful to our football parents, who offered their understanding and patience during this investigation, and to our staff members, who have supported our students throughout the week. And, most of all, I am extremely proud of our school community and especially the young men on the football team who displayed a sense of maturity and responsibility during the investigation process.”

Prior to its suspension, Niles North High School football had a 2-3 record so far. Its next game is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at New Trier High School, and its homecoming game is scheduled for the following week, Oct. 13 at home against Niles West.

» Read More: Hazing Probe Brings Abrupt Halt To Niles North Football Season

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